Fuel supply in European and African ports has faced significant challenges in recent months. Particularly in the northwestern regions of Europe, fuel supply in ARA ports (Antwerp, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam) has been severely restricted, and buyers must consider lead times of 5 to 7 days for fuel delivery.
Price Changes and Fuel Supply
The price of B100 in the port of Rotterdam has remained significantly lower than LSMGO, leading to increased demand for B100 at this port. Additionally, according to Insights Global data, independent heavy fuel reserves in ARA increased by 6% in October compared to the September average.
According to Vortexa statistics, this region averaged 250,000 barrels per day of heavy fuel imports in October, down from 266,000 barrels per day in September. The highest volume of shipments comes from Lithuania (25%), Mexico (18%), and France (16%).
Fuel Supply Conditions in the Mediterranean and Africa
In the Mediterranean, fuel supply in the ports of the Strait of Gibraltar is also facing restrictions. Buyers in this region must consider lead times of 7 to 10 days for fuel supply. Adverse weather conditions are forecasted from October 14 to 15 in Gibraltar, including severe storms and waves exceeding 1.5 meters. This situation has led to traffic congestion in the port and long queues for fuel supply.
In Barcelona, suppliers require about a week to supply any type of fuel. Additionally, in the port of Huelva in Spain, delays in fuel supply are expected due to the tight schedules of barges.
In Africa, the fuel supply situation in Lome, Togo is also facing challenges, and buyers must consider lead times of 5 to 7 days for VLSFO and LSMGO supply. In Lagos, Nigeria, the availability of VLSFO has been limited, and buyers must wait 10 to 12 days for fuel supply.
In Walvis Bay, Namibia, fuel supply on urgent dates is also limited, and buyers should consider 5 to 7 days lead time for VLSFO and LSMGO supply. Furthermore, in Durban, South Africa, due to increased demand, fuel supply is difficult, and buyers must plan 10 to 15 days in advance for fuel supply.
